The Well Church moving to former downtown Baptist church

Months following its official launch on Fourth Street, members of The Well Church will be calling the former First Baptist Church in downtown Ionia home.

First Baptist Church, which has been in fellowship for 178 years, closed its doors at the end of October because of a decreasing church population. Now, the sounds of praises and prayers will be heard within the building's walls once more.

The Well Church Narrative Pastor Ed Love said he and church officials from First Baptist began speaking in August about the building's future. He said it was desired to have the building remain as a place of Christ-centered worship, and a series of meetings helped establish such a goal.

The deed to the church was given to The Well free of charge.

"I was elated, blown away," said Love, adding he feels very blessed and grateful for the extremely rare circumstance.

He said he believes the donation of the church building and all assets shows the heart of those who belonged to First Baptist.

Now, Love and his congregation are updating the building while making sure to keep the church's past preserved.

"We want to keep the historical integrity, but freshen it up," he added.

The basement will house church offices, a nursery and children's playroom, and a youth and teen ministry area. On the main floor, a cafe will be added and a lounge area will take shape in the lobby, which can be divided or opened into the sanctuary. Love said he would like to repurpose the pews they will keep and add coffee tables in the back of the sanctuary where pews will be removed. Balcony seating will remain the same. A stage for the praise band will be built in the front of the church and a large sound booth will be added.

Love said The Well congregation members and those from other churches have been donating supplies, their skills and time to keep updates coming every day.

The Well Church is still meeting at the building on Fourth Street, but the goal is to be moved in by Christmas. Love said baptisms are scheduled for Jan. 6, and the official launch is yet to be announced. In addition, The Well has added a new transformation pastor, Tom Rundel.

"My hope is that this will serve as a gathering place and that people will come together here to springboard into the community to serve," he said.